Interpretive Phenomenological Study Research Articles

Breaking the Stained-Glass Ceiling: The Gendered Experiences of Women College Presidents of Catholic Institutions

This interpretive phenomenological study features the leadership experience of 16 current and former women college presidents of U.S. Roman Catholic colleges and universities. With Catholic organizations barring women from top leadership roles within the Church, the term “stained-glass ceiling” describes the unique leadership barriers that women face in Catholic higher education. Using Acker’s theory of gendered organizations as a framework, analysis revealed six findings that illustrate the exclusionary nature of the Catholic patriarchy, as well as women’s strategies for navigating these environments: waiting for the “right” presidency, emphasizing their difference, being “chief mission officer,” leading social justice initiatives, and supporting future leaders. Together, findings illustrate how participants shaped their presidencies in ways that aligned with their values and advanced women’s opportunity in the field. We offer implications for practice and future research.

"We're Not Valued, We're Not Heard": Voices of Seasoned Nurses in a Rural State Following the Onset of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 crisis shone a spotlight on long-standing issues in the nursing profession. Currently, nurses feel overworked, unsupported, and undervalued. This interpretive phenomenological study shares the perspectives of 10 seasoned nurses. The overarching theme is "My job doesn't love me back," supported by "Enough pizza already," "Band-Aid on a hemorrhage," "We were heroes and now no one remembers us," "We used to be so trusted," and "Nursing is psychological warfare." It is imperative that systems and leaders listen to the concerns of nurses and provide avenues for nurses to take action to collaborate and convene organizational culture change.

Research Experience through the Lens of Undergraduate Filipino Pre-Service Physical Educators: An Interpretative Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study

The preparation of pre-service teachers, particularly in conducting research, is an important aspect of teacher training in the Philippine context, where challenges in various dimensions of the academic milieu exist. This interpretative hermeneutic phenomenological (IHP) study delved into the experiences of undergraduate Filipino pre-service physical educators (PSPEs) about the intricacies of research and thesis writing. The study aimed to unravel the lived experiences of these students throughout the research process to clarify how they make sense of these experiences. Conducted at a teacher education institution in Pampanga, the Philippines, 10 PSPEs who had completed their theses participated in the study. Employing a qualitative design, the IHP study used face-to-face in-depth interviews guided by a semi-structured interview protocol guide. Rigorous IHP analytical protocols were utilized to illustrate meanings from the data transcripts, while ensuring trustworthiness and rigor. The findings revealed that research, for the PSPEs, is not merely a technical pursuit but a combination of emotions requiring coordinated actions. For them, research demands fortitude and courage, accompanied by multiple challenges that, when overcome, lead to a fulfilling pursuit. The PSPEs view research as an investment for their future personal and professional undertakings. Considering these findings, a general recommendation is made for teacher education institutions to incorporate holistic support mechanisms that address the technical facets of research and the socio-emotional dimensions, especially for pre-service teachers, to ensure resilience and confidence as they pursue this challenging, yet rewarding, endeavor.

Challenges in implementing community-based dental education programs in Australia: The lived experiences of program coordinators.

The benefits of community-based dental education (CBDE) are well documented and reach far beyond students' educational growth, encompassing advantages for both dental schools and their community partners. Nonetheless, barriers associated with administering CBDE programs can have a significant impact on program outcomes. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by dental school CBDE coordinators in implementing and managing their programs. This Interpretive Phenomenological study employed in-depth semi-structured interviews with CBDE program coordinators from Australian dental schools (n=6). Interviews, conducted between February and May 2023, via Microsoft Teams, were audio and video recorded and lasted an average of one hour each. Interviews were analyzed using NVivo 13. Questions explored administrative challenges, required resources, student management issues, and development goals for CBDE programs. Data analysis included deductive and inductive coding through a seven-step iterative process, organizing information into codes and sub-codes, forming emerging themes. Four major themes with subthemes emerged: 1) Program administration, encompassing challenges in scheduling, coordinating, and adapting to changes; 2) Funding, crucial for establishing and maintaining remote educational sites; 3) Student experience management, highlighting student supervision, student behavior, and exposure; and 4) Partner site relationships, particularly in clinical supervisor recruitment and training. The successful implementation requires meticulous planning, effective coordination, and recognition of CBDE as an educational activity that should be grounded in evidence-based pedagogy. Dental institutions are therefore encouraged to establish collaborative partnerships with local community organizations, allocate resources for outreach initiatives, and facilitate appropriate guidance to coordinators, students, and external clinical supervisors.

Supporting Individuals With an Acquired Brain Injury: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study Exploring the Everyday Lives of Caregivers.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is one of the most common causes of disability and death globally. Support from informal caregivers is critical to the well-being and quality of life of people with ABI and supports the sustainability of global health and social care systems. This study presents an in-depth qualitative analysis of the experiences of eight British informal caregivers supporting someone with ABI. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with narratives transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three superordinate themes were generated: making sense of brain injury; being consumed by caregiving; and, the changing self. These data highlight the impact of caregiving on the caregiver's illness perceptions and sense of self. By identifying negative and positive changes in the caregiver's sense of self, and dilemmas regarding the care recipient's behaviour, we address less understood aspects of caregiver experiences. Caregiving can pose both challenges to the caregiver's sense of identity and an opportunity for self-growth. Some caregivers exhibit resilience throughout their journey, with post-traumatic growth more apparent in the later stages of caregiving. Illness perceptions shape caregiver well-being and family dynamics and indicate the need to address stigmatisation and discrimination faced by ABI survivors and caregivers. Although some caregivers acquired positive meaning and enrichment from their caregiving, previously described challenges of ABI caregiving are supported. Overall, our findings support the need for timely psychological/mental health support for caregivers, caregiver education, and the provision of short breaks from caregiving.

Treatment trajectories of individuals diagnosed with rectal cancer: an interpretative phenomenological study

Treatment trajectories of individuals diagnosed with rectal cancer: an interpretative phenomenological study

Full title: “Hopes, worries and expectations” experiences of pregnancy with inflammatory bowel disease: An interpretative phenomenological analysis study

Background and AimsInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects many women of childbearing age. High levels of voluntary childlessness and high levels of pregnancy-related fears have been reported amongst these patients in several quantitative studies. We investigated the lived experiences of pregnant patients to better understand decision-making processes around family planning. MethodsNine participants between 7 and 34 weeks pregnant (6 Crohn's Disease/3 Ulcerative Colitis), with an age range of 22–39 were recruited prospectively from three United Kingdom hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and audio recorded. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to interpret the data. ResultsTwo main themes emerged: 1) IBD is perceived as a threat to family planning; and 2) healthcare professional advice, support, and reassurance was important. IBD was viewed as a potential threat to fertility and reproductive health. Consequently, women's lived experience of pregnancy is shaped by anxiety and pregnancy-related worries for mother and baby. Mothers actively sought out expert medical assurances to alleviate some of the perceived fears. ConclusionPrevious research has repeatedly found that women with IBD exhibit high levels of pregnancy-related worries and anxieties. Our findings find that high levels of anxiety are due to patients’ perceptions that IBD is a threat to their reproductive health and their offspring. Women relied on a medicalized discourse to understand their IBD experiences during pregnancy and actively sought biomedical resources for assistance before and during pregnancy. Consultants should be aware that when dealing with pregnant patients, some women may experience anxiety and require extra support.

Parent–child triangles and family loyalties as psychological arenas of grief manifestation among adults who lost a parent at a young age

The current qualitative interpretative phenomenological study explored the intricate experiences of Israeli adults who lost a parent during childhood and subsequently navigated the challenges of adapting to a stepfamily dynamic. Through semistructured interviews, nine participants revealed three key themes: “Unbreakable Bonds: Loyalty to the Deceased Parent,” illustrating efforts to preserve the original family structure amid changes; “Replacement Bonds: Loyalty to the New Parent,” depicting the loyalty conflicts arising when connecting with a stepparent; and “Harmonic Bonds: Loyalties to All Three Parents,” showcasing instances in which bereaved children successfully maintained connections with their deceased parent while forming meaningful relationships with their stepparent and living biological parent. The study findings informed a model elucidating the dialectical stance family members may adopt in response to such complexities. The model emphasizes the prioritization of orphaned children’s emotional needs in a pyramid-shaped family structure, in which the psychological presence of the deceased parent remains integral.

Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Therapy Propels the Fibromyalgia Patient into the Recomposition Phase: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Recent evidence has identified great promise for the novel whole-body photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for individuals with fibromyalgia (FM). However, currently no evidence has documented the experiences of participants. The objective of this study was to qualitatively assess treatment experience and response in a group of participants with FM undergoing a course of whole-body PBMT. An interpretive hermeneutic phenomenological study situated within the worldview of pragmatism was undertaken. A convenience sample of individuals with FM were included if they had undertaken a novel 6-week trial of PBMT. Individuals undertook semi-structured interviews exploring treatment experience and multidimensional treatment responses during Week 3 and Week 6. Sixteen trial participants (47.3 ± 10.9 years) took part in this study. The analysis produced three overarching themes that were previously identified from a baseline study (namely, 'Body Structure & Function', 'Activities & Participation', and 'Environment') with an additional five sub-themes that highlighted the intervention experience. Subsequently, four important processes were observed and identified: increased motivation; feeling proud; improved confidence; feeling like 'old self'. This ultimately culminated in the identification of a positive spiral, which we have termed 'recomposition'. We believe our study is the first in the field of chronic pain management to utilise qualitative methodology to directly assess the acceptability and efficacy of a specific medical intervention in a clinical trial, and the first study to qualitatively assess whole-body PBMT experience. The findings are compelling and warrant further work to support the introduction of this device into the National Health Service (NHS).

Mongolian Pastoralist Parents’ Experiences in Managing Their Primary School Children’s Living Arrangements

Sending children, especially six-year-old ones, to school put pressure on pastoralist or herder households to balance their livestock herding needs and their children’s schooling needs at the same time. Due to remote campsites located in isolated rural areas far from any schools, pastoralists need to arrange a place for their children to stay during the school year. In this interpretive phenomenological study, we explored pastoralist parents’ experiences in managing different living arrangements for their primary school children during the school year. We conducted semi-structured interviews with five pastoralist parents from a remote county (an administrative division under a province) in Mongolia. Living arrangement options included staying in a boarding school dormitory, staying at a relative’s place, and staying with mothers in split households. The pastoralist parents’ own school experiences, the presence of first-grade school children, boarding school conditions, and family resources were found to be important factors for deciding the best living arrangement. We recommend that the government agencies should work on improving conditions of school dormitories and on providing better educational opportunities for pastoralists and their children.

Observation as a professional tool for early childhood teachers’ inquiry habit of mind: an interpretative phenomenological study

ABSTRACT This study aimed at understanding and investigating the lived experiences of early childhood teachers’ observation practices as a professional tool. Interpretative phenomenological approach was utilized to investigate participants’ experiences deeply from their lived experiences. The current study's participants consisted of five early childhood teachers selected through purposive sampling. The three-interview series involving three separate interviews with each participant was used for data collection and the data was analyzed by interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings describe participant teachers’ observation practices that provide data, how teachers convert data into information, and how they use observational data for decision-making. This study aims to draw attention to the critical role of observation in data-based decision-making and pinpoints practical implications for early childhood teachers.

Are we heroes or couriers? A phenomenological study on reappropriation of professional subjectivity and agency among health professionals during COVID-19 contact tracing in Türkiye

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Türkiye implemented a distinctive contact tracing approach involving in-person home visits by medical professionals to individuals who tested positive for the virus. This study examines the experiences of health professionals involved in contact tracing, exploring how they reappropriated their professional subjectivity and agency during their deployment in this role. It is an interpretive phenomenological qualitative study. We conducted 21 semi-structured in-depth interviews, subsequently carried out two separate focus group interviews with an additional 31 participants from various districts in Istanbul. Participants were selected from different medical professions (i.e. doctors, nurses, midwives), career stages, gender and age groups, and hierarchical levels (i.e. officers and directors). Data analysis was conducted collaboratively by the research team from sociology and public health disciplines.Our main finding is that for the majority of health professionals, contact tracing was a novel experience with challenges and ambivalances. Yet, regardless of their perceptions (positive, negative, or mixed), the experience promoted a reaffirmation of professional identity and reappropriation of professional subjectivity and agency, which discloses that professional subjectivity is not firm but dynamic, carrying stability as well as flexibility and adjustment. Four main themes are identified in their reappropriation of professional subjectivity and agency: uncovering professional fulfillment, feeling restrained in professional dissatisfaction, assessing the job, and engaging in professional and bureaucratic negotiations.The profound exploration into the dynamics of contact tracing amidst the pandemic illuminates a multidimensional narrative that transcends the conventional discourse on physical and psychological stress experienced by medical professionals. Contact tracing experience had a transformative impact on meaning and purpose of professional identity. Our findings highlight a need for a balanced approach between centralized decision-making, mobilization of professionals, quantitative evaluation, and professional autonomy and discretion, qualitative assessments, and meaningful engagement.

Financial Toxicity Experiences of Patients With Cancer in Indonesia: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

ObjectivesFinancial toxicity (FT) is an important adverse effect of cancer. Recent systematic reviews have shown that FT may lead to treatment nonadherence and impaired health-related quality of life, both of which may adversely influence the survival rates of patients. However, less is known about how patients endure FT, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to explore how patients with cancer experience and cope with FT in Indonesia. MethodsSemistructured in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of Indonesian patients with cancer. Qualitative data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis approach. We purposefully recruited 8 patients undergoing active treatment (aged 27-69 years) who had been diagnosed of cancer over 5 years before and possessed health insurance at the time of diagnosis. ResultsWe identified 2 main themes: (1) the experienced financial burden, with subthemes underinsurance, out-of-pocket nonhealthcare cancer-related costs, and negative income effect from employment disruption, and (2) the financial coping strategies, with subthemes reallocating household budget, seeking family support, rationalizing treatment decisions, and topping up insurance for family members. ConclusionsThis is the first interpretive phenomenological study on FT in the literature and the first qualitative FT study in Indonesia. Our findings provide insight into the occurrence of FT and coping strategies used by Indonesian patients with cancer. The subjective experiences of patients may be considered to further improve oncology care, support the need for measurement of FT, and provide mitigation programs for patients.

Exploring Healthcare Providers' and Women's Perspectives of Labor Companionship during Childbirth: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study.

A labor companion of choice during childbirth is crucial for improving women's birth experience and confidence to give birth. Labor companions provide various benefits, including enhanced communication, emotional support, non-pharmacological pain relief, and better healthcare. However, little is known about the supportive actions of labor companions with respect to women's needs during labor and birth, as well as healthcare providers' perceptions of labor companions. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the perceptions of healthcare providers and women regarding labor companions. The study utilized an interpretative phenomenology research design. Data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with 14 participants. The sample consisted of mothers, physicians, and nurses, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted for data analysis. Five themes were identified: (a) impact of companionship, (b) benefits for healthcare providers, (c) companion roles, (d) loneliness and alienation of mothers, and (e) challenges of implementation. The findings indicated that the presence of a companion reduces the need for unnecessary medical interventions and eases the workload of healthcare providers. Without a companion, mothers often feel lonely and disconnected during the birthing process. The presence of companions is often hindered by space limitations in delivery rooms, the absence of clear policies, and lack of childbirth education programs for companions. Clear policies, education programs, and adequate space are essential for implementing and promoting labor companionship during childbirth.

Infertile Jordanian Women's Self-Perception About Societal Violence: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study.

Infertility affects one in six couples globally and is compounded by stigma and violence, particularly for women, in Jordan's culture. While existing research has illuminated societal pressures faced by infertile women, there is, yet no comprehensive understanding of the violence they encounter in their daily lives. This Interpretative Phenomenological study seeks to unravel the experiences of infertile women regarding societal violence in Jordan. By focusing on different types of community violence - physical, psychological, and emotional - The study aims to provide nuanced insights into the challenges these women confront. It also endeavors to identify contributing factors, including societal attitudes, cultural beliefs, and individual encounters, while informing policy and practice to mitigate this issue. Employing a qualitative approach, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled infertile women. Thematic analysis was utilized to uncover recurring patterns and themes, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of their experiences. Five main themes were identified: How the surrounding people view me as an infertile woman; I am suffocated by their questions; they interfere in the smallest details; I got burned and turned to ashes, and I have no right to complain; The problem of childbearing and the treatment plan is a matter for me and my husband only; and who supports me and what do I want from those around me? This study's implications are significant for policy and practice. By foregrounding the prevalent violence faced by infertile women, it underscores the urgency of interventions. Raising awareness, providing education, and extending support can counteract societal stigma and violence. Creating a more compassionate societal fabric can ensure a safer, more inclusive environment for these women.

Responsibilization and Retraditionalization: How Neoliberal Logics Reproduce Gender Inequities Among Women Community Organizers in Chicago

Neoliberal capitalism creates a “crisis of care” in which social reproduction—though necessary for society—is undermined by stripping away support for caregivers, who are disproportionately women. “Social reproduction” refers to the reproduction and maintenance of the labor force via childbirth, child rearing, and caregiving for loved ones more generally. This interpretive phenomenological study examines how a crisis of care manifests for women in the workplace. Drawing upon in-depth, semistructured interviews with Chicago-based women who work as community organizers, our findings demonstrate that sexism in the workplace, coupled with the gendering of care work, creates unique difficulties for these women. By integrating the work of feminist critical theorists who argue that neoliberal logics produce gendered impacts, particularly due to processes they call responsibilization and retraditionalization, our findings help explain why and how gender subordination and gendered divisions of labor persist, even in organizations with a professed commitment to social justice.

Night sleep in intensive care patients: An interpretive phenomenological study

Night sleep in intensive care patients: An interpretive phenomenological study

Development of Human Rights-Based Practices in Psychiatry FromPeople Living With Mental Health Problems Lived Experiences DuringInvoluntary Hospitalization or Treatment

This article presents the research protocol of an interpretative phenomenological study that aims to understand the lived experiences of coercion and human rights-based practices in psychiatry from the perspectives of people living with mental health problems during involuntary hospitalization or treatment. This qualitative study used an interpretative phenomenological analysis design. In-depth, one-on-one interviews along with a socio-demographic questionnaire were conducted with approximately 10 participants. Data analysis was followed by an iterative and hermeneutic emergence coding process. By centering human rights-based practices on the lived experiences of people living with mental health problems who encountered coercion, this study highlighted the contributing and limiting factors to the recognition of human rights in nursing practices. This study also promoted the development of nursing knowledge and practices that can significantly contribute to an individual’s recovery process.

Dynamics of intercultural communication: Papuan in Gorontalo

<p>This research discusses the dynamics of communication between two different cultural groups applied by ten Papuan student informants in Gorontalo and at the same time identifies that Gorontalo, which according to the researcher's observations has no cases, information, incidents of discrimination against Papuans, has the possibility of discrimination. This research uses Mark Orbe's Co-cultural theory with an interpretive phenomenological analysis study. The results of the research show that the minority group of Papuan students in Gorontalo uses communication dynamics using accommodation, which is a form of establishing good ties with the majority group without losing the original identity of Papuans. Assimilation is also the second dominant dynamics used by Papuan students in Gorontalo, namely adopting the culture of the dominant group. And there is discrimination in the Gorontalo area even though there are no records, cases or even official information.</p>

Challenges Experienced by Iranian Patients with Temporary Transvenous Cardiac Pacemakers: A Phenomenological Study

Background: One of the main causes of mortality in patients with heart disease is arrhythmia. A temporary pacemaker is inserted to control arrhythmias, particularly when an intervention is urgently needed. Since this procedure is not benign, patients might experience many challenges. As the first step in the development of nursing interventions, identifying these experiences can help reinforce evidence in this field and enhance the quality of nursing care. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by patients with temporary transvenous cardiac pacemakers (TTCPs). Methods: This qualitative, interpretive phenomenological study was conducted on 18 patients with pacemakers who were selected by purposive sampling. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. All the interviews were recorded and simultaneously analyzed via van Manen’s analytical method. Results: The results of data analysis resulted in three major themes: "Disregard for patient’s dignity”, “dependent life”, and "physical and psychological problems”. Conclusions: This study showed the challenges of patients with TTCPs. This group of patients is facing challenges related to the care and hospitalization matter and facing an uncertain future. Therefore, there is a need to pay more attention to patients' needs during hospitalization, such as informing patients about the procedure, respecting patients’ dignity and rights, and controlling physical and psychological problems.